1998 FORD CONTOUR traction control

Driving
94
•D (Drive)
D (Drive) provides more engine
braking than overdrive and is
useful when driving through hilly
terrain or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills.
Activate by pressing the transaxle
control switch (TCS) located on
the gearshift handle. The O/DOFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. Transaxle
operates in gears one through
three.
To return to overdrive mode, press
the transaxle control switch.The
O/DOFF indicator light will
extinguish.
When starting your vehicle, the
transaxle will automatically return
to normal overdrive mode when the
D (Drive) gearshift position is
selected.
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
CDW IVB1-10Driving en C 5/15/97 8:52 PM Page 94

Maintenance and care
132Opening the hood
•Pull the handle (1) located under
the instrument panel.
000123000010 20 3040506070
80
90
100
110
120
130MPH20 406055
80120 100
140
160
180
200EF 1
/
2UNLEADED FUEL ONLY12
03x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMALBRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
MIRRORS
1
•Release the safety catch by
reaching under the hood (2)
(adjacent to the Ford emblem)
and pushing it up.
2
3
•Raise the hood and support it
with the strut (3) in the yellow
colored retainer, ensuring it is
secure. Hold the support at the
yellow colored insulation section.
To close, replace the support strut
in its retaining clip, lower the hood
and allow it to drop into the catch
for the last 20 – 30 cm
(8 – 12 inches).
Always check to ensure that the
hood lock is fully engaged.
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:56 PM Page 132

Maintenance and care
153 Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire grade of 150
would wear one and one-half
(11/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire grade
100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction ABC
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest are A, B, and C, and they
represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured
under test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straightahead) traction
tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:56 PM Page 153

Maintenance and care
167
BRAKE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
If you notice one or more of the
following, the emission system may
not be functioning properly; have
the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible:
•Fluid leaks.
•The charging system, engine oil
pressure or low coolant warning
lights illuminate in the
instrument cluster and remain lit.
•Strange odors.
•Engine runs for more than five
seconds after shut off or engine
misfires, surges, stalls or
backfires.
•Loss of oil pressure.Alternative design Alternative design
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:56 PM Page 167

Maintenance and care
184Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a
whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
Cleaning leather seats
(if equipped)
For routine cleaning, wipe the
surface with a soft, damp cloth. For
more thorough cleaning, wipe the
surface with a leather and vinyl
cleaner or a mild soap.
Cleaning the instrument panel
HM:
I0 20OFF LOPNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
POWERAUDIOAM/FM
SCAN
SEEK 312645ANSSIDE1-2EJECTVOLUME
000123000010 20 3040506070
80
90
100
110
120
130MPH20 406055
80120 100
140
160
180
200EF 1
/
2UNLEADED FUEL ONLY12
03x 1000
4
5
6
7
8NORMALBRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
MIRRORS
Clean the instrument panel with a
damp cloth, then dry with a dry
cloth.
Any cleaner or polish that
increases the gloss of the upper
portion of the instrument panel
should be avoided. The dull finish
in this area is to help protect the
driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:56 PM Page 184